This, everyone, is the lasting vision from what should have been a celebratory postseason for the ACC—a postseason where the conference landed two teams in BCS bowls for the first time ever.

Instead we have the memories of West Virginia scoring 70 points on ACC champion Clemson in the Orange Bowl, and to a lesser extent, Virginia Tech blowing a potential prove-it moment in an overtime loss to Michigan in the Sugar Bowl.

With that as the backdrop, the ACC moves forward in 2012 with these burning questions for spring practice:

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Boston College

Can the Eagles become physical again?

There’s a reason coach Frank Spaziani is feeling heat: BC hasn’t played like its overachieving, physical self for two years. Part of that can be traced to injuries, and the loss of the Eagles’ true identity, the power run game.

RB Montel Harris (knee) missed almost all of 2011, and could be lost again this fall. When BC can run with power and purpose—Rolandan Finch and Andre Williams will get first shot at replacing Harris—it can dictate tempo on both sides of the ball and get games to the fourth quarter.

Clemson

First, let’s not forget what Clemson did was good enough to win the ACC (and beat league king Virginia Tech twice). So what are the adjustments: more downhill running.

The Tigers spent time with the Nevada staff earlier this month to learn more about the Pistol offense; the scheme used (some principles) by many BCS heavyweights, including national title game participants Alabama and LSU. Clemson wants to find a way to get TB Andre Ellington more space between the tackles.

Florida State

Does QB EJ Manuel finally play to his potential?

This is not only a big FSU question, but a national landscape question. If Manuel can play at the elite level coach Jimbo Fisher believes he can, the Seminoles are a legitimate national title contender.

If he continues to get nicked and banged up because of poor protection, and continues to lose confidence in his protection and his receivers’ ability to get balls (all problems the last two years), FSU is on course for another eight- or nine-win season. The 'Noles will work with more maximum protection packages this spring to help Manuel gain confidence.

N.C. State

Is there any help for star QB Mike Glennon?

Coach Tom O’Brien took plenty of heat for running off Russell Wilson and sticking with Glennon, but overshadowed in that decision—and Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl run—was the play of Glennon (31 TDs, 12 INTs).

The Wolfpack must get Glennon help in the run game (109th in the nation in 2011) with better blocking and more forceful running (return of injured TB Mustafa Greene will help). O’Brien says Glennon can develop into a Matt Ryan-type of thrower; he won’t unless N.C. State can find a run game.

Maryland

Can the Terps find common ground between coaches and players?

You better believe it’s this basic. The number of players that have left the program (24) since coach Randy Edsall took over last year is staggering.

There has to be trust built between the staff and the players, and Edsall can’t let upperclassmen he didn’t recruit feel alienated—even if the key to his survival is playing those he recruited last year and last February.

Wake Forest

Can the Deacons find a pass rush?

Problem No. 1: leading pass rusher Kyle Wilber is gone. Problem No. 2: Wake was 115th in the nation in sacks last year with a paltry 11.

You win on defense by forcing quick decisions and turnovers, and it should come as no surprise that Wake was 77th in turnovers forced in 2011. Nikita Whitlock is the team’s best pass rusher—and he’s a nose guard. Not a good sign.

COASTAL DIVISION

Duke

Can the Blue Devils finish late?

Duke is as loaded as Duke can be—if you follow that logic. The Blue Devils return 17 starters from a team that can’t seem to close out games.

Guys like QB Sean Renfree and WR Conner Vernon are legitimate ACC stars, but are part of a group that has lost eight times by a touchdown or less over the last two seasons (three by 5 points or less in 2011). Duke is close, and coach David Cutcliffe has talked about a new “level of play” to get to its first bowl game since the 1994 season.

Georgia Tech

Can the defense catch up with the offense?

A better way to put it: Can the defense impose its will like Tech’s flexbone offense? Coach Paul Johnson says the unit needs to get off the field more, which is coachspeak for stopping teams on third down.

Nearly everyone is back on the unit; now it’s a matter of coordinator Al Groh finding the right combinations and pushing the right motivational buttons.

Miami

Will Stephen Morris flourish without the specter of Jacory Harris?

Morris played well two years ago as Harris’ backup, and played well enough in the season opener last year against Maryland before a late interception ended a comeback.

Morris is more polished mechanically than Harris and has better instincts. He just needs snaps—snaps and game situations that lead to confidence. With Harris gone, there’s no one looming to take the job after mistakes, another big factor in Morris’ potential growth.

North Carolina

Can QB Bryn Renner mesh early with new coach Larry Fedora?

The happiest guy in Chapel Hill this offseason: Renner. The uber-talented thrower tried to do too much last year as the season slowly went in the tank. Watch how well he plays this fall under Fedora, one of the game’s best teachers.

Virginia

Can the Cavaliers find any consistency at quarterback?

Go back a few years and insert the same question every spring. Virginia has struggled at the most important position on the field for a while. It cost Al Groh his job, and cost last year’s team a chance to play for the ACC title. Michael Rocco and David Watford combined for 17 TDs and 16 INTs last season, and will likely share the job again in 2012.

Virginia Tech

How do the Hokies respond to a humbling 2011 season?

It’s not just losing in the ACC title game; it’s losing to Clemson twice—and getting physically manhandled by what many considered a finesse team. You better believe that doesn’t sit well with the grinders in Blacksburg.

Coach Frank Beamer says his team needs to get tougher; mentally and physically. This spring, unlike most in Blacksburg where it’s more about refining skills, will be grueling.